Arctic hare

Lepus arcticus

Size: 48–67 cm · 2.5–7 kg
Diet: Herbivore
Activity: Crepuscular
Sociality: Loose group
Lifespan: —

Arctic hare is a large hare of Arctic tundra whose white winter coat blends into snow. It is important prey for Arctic foxes, wolves, and raptors.

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Key facts

Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) is a herbivore animal classified as Mammal · Lagomorpha · Leporidae.
Primary habitats are polar · grassland, with a range across Nearctic.
Activity is crepuscular, sociality is loose group, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Arctic hare is a large hare of Arctic tundra whose white winter coat blends into snow.
It inhabits tundra, rocky slopes, and low grassland in northern Canada, Greenland, and Arctic islands.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits tundra, rocky slopes, and low grassland in northern Canada, Greenland, and Arctic islands. Main habitat types in this guide are polar, grassland.

Appearance

Typical length 48-67 cm, weight 2.5 kg-7 kg. Short ears, powerful hind legs, and seasonally changing fur, often white in winter, are distinctive.

Behavior

It is most active around dawn and dusk and often found in loose groups. It digs through snow for plants and may gather in large numbers at feeding sites.

Feeding

It is herbivorous. Willow, grasses, mosses, lichens, and shrub buds are eaten.

Reproduction

Young are born in spring or summer with fur and become mobile relatively quickly.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. It is important prey for Arctic foxes, wolves, and raptors.